As computers are becoming more prevalent and connected, the need to protect them from hackers is equally urgent and important. MS in cyber security in UK is a course that equips you with the skills and expertise to deal with current and future cyber security threats. It builds a strong foundation of knowledge to prosper your career in the software industry and research. But what are the criteria for selecting a university for MSc cyber security in UK?
In this blog, we have covered everything you need to know about pursuing cyber security masters in UK, starting from the benefits, costs, and requirements to the best universities for masters in cyber security in UK.
Overview on MSc Cyber Security in UK
Course Duration |
1 year |
Tuition Fees |
£16,330 - £35,903 |
Top Universities |
University College London, University of Birmingham, University of Southhampton, etc. |
Average Salary |
£75,280 per year |
Job Roles after MSc in Cyber Security in UK |
Cyber Security Specialist, Cyber Crime Analyst, Incident Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, etc. |
Why Study Masters in Cyber Security in UK?
Before investing your time, effort, and money into any course of MSc in cyber security in UK, you must gather all the relevant details about it. So, let’s start our discussion by knowing about the significance and benefits of studying MS in Cyber Security in UK:
- UK is an active country in the world when it comes to battling cyber security. Hence, masters in cyber security in UK universities offer advanced and practical knowledge.
- Cyber security is an inseparable part of commercial, public, and government organisations. There is currently a huge demand for experts in this field.
- The curriculum of MS cyber security in UK strongly emphasises practical learning. There are computing labs and other virtual lab facilities available for the students to have firsthand experience of the course contents.
- MS cyber security in UK courses offers a wide range of specialisations that you may choose from depending upon your interests.
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Now that you are aware of the benefits of pursuing cyber security masters in UK, it's time to understand the admission requirements and process for pursuing cyber security masters in UK.
Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements for Masters in Cyber Security in UK
The needs and requirements for admission to the best universities in UK for masters in cyber security vary between the universities. Some basic requirements of MSc cyber security in UK are:
- Undergraduate Degree
- Language Requirements
- Passport & Visa
Let us now take a closer look at the requirements and eligibility for MS in cyber security in UK.
-
Undergraduate Degree
A 2:2 honours degree or above in the relevant subject (eg. Computer Science or a closely related discipline) is the most important requirement to study masters in cyber security in UK universities.
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Language Requirements
The English proficiency test is mandatory for all international students to get admission to the universities in UK. Minimum scores as per the tests are:
- IELTS: 6.0 - 6.5
- TOEFL(iBT): 70 - 87
- PTE: Minimum 61
- DET: 100 - 110
-
Passport and Visa
A valid passport and UK student visa are a must for all international students to study any course at any university in UK. Do keep in mind to apply for your visa at least 3 months prior to the expected date of travel.
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Documents Required For Masters in Cyber Security UK
Admission for masters in cyber security in UK requires a set of documents. Some of the common document requirements are mentioned below:
- Transcripts of all educational qualification
- CV or Resume
- LOR or Letter of Recommendation
- SOP or Statement of Purpose
- Scorecards of IELTS/TOEFL
- A Personal Statement describing your intention behind opting to study MS Cyber Security in UK. Do also include your specific area of interest and any prior achievements you have.
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Now that we have discussed all requirements for cyber security in UK, let us understand the admission process.
Admission Process for Masters in Cyber Security in UK
A step-by-step guide to applying to best universities for masters in cyber security in UK is as follows:
- Once you have decided on the MS cyber security course you want to pursue, check for the best university offering that course.
- Visit the official university website and collect all data relating to eligibility and the admission process.
- Upload scanned copies of all the required documents (transcripts, CV, IELTS/TOEFL, scorecards, etc.)
- Fill out the desired application form and pay the fee.
- Once all the procedures are done, you will receive a conditional offer letter after clearing your interview, you may book your seat at the particular university.
- Pay your deposit by agreeing to the terms and conditions of the university, and you are done.
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Now that we understand the admission process of best universities in UK for cyber security, let us now discuss MS in cyber security in UK cost.
Cost of Studying Masters in Cyber Security in UK
The overall cost of studying Masters in cyber security UK depends upon the fees that your university charges and the lifestyle you choose. Let us explore these two types of costs.
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Tuition Fees
The fee structure of master in cyber security UK differs between universities. The fee also depends upon the course type or specialisation you choose. On average, the masters in cyber security in UK fee ranges between £24,000 and £32,000 on yearly basis.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in UK depends upon your lifestyle and preferences. The estimated cost of living for international students is £1,215 - £1,715 per month. It covers all amenities like housing, food, travel, stationery, recreational activities, etc.
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Scholarships for MSc in Cyber Security in UK
Following are the top scholarships that an international student can apply for to pursue cyber security masters in UK without any financial burden.
Scholarship Name |
Stipend Amount |
Cisco Scholarship |
£28,954 |
Chevening Scholarship |
Complete Study Abroad Fee |
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship |
Variable |
Goa Education Trust Scholarship |
Full or Partial Tuition Fee |
Northumbria University Country Scholarship |
£2,316 |
Vice Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship |
50% of Tuition Fee |
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Now that we have covered all the prerequisites, costs, scholarships, and admission process for masters in cyber security in UK universities, let us know about the best universities in UK for masters in cyber security.
Top 10 Universities in UK for Masters in Cyber Security
The UK universities for Masters in Cyber Security are internationally recognized for providing the highest quality of education. Some of the best universities for Masters in Cyber Security in UK are:
- University of Warwick
- University of Southampton
- Lancaster University
- University of York
- University of Birmingham
- University College London
- Queen’s University of Belfast
- Royal Holloway
- Swansea University
- Northumbria University
Now, let us go into details of each university one by one:
1. University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is one of the best universities for masters in cyber security in UK. It is recognized as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education (ACEs-CSE) by National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). This course is specifically designed for graduates looking to understand or apply cyber security in a consultancy, strategic, business, or management context.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
64 |
Average Fees Per Year |
£29,950 |
Programs Offered |
MSc Cyber Security Management MSc Cyber Security Engineering |
2. University of Southampton
The University of Southampton offers one of the best cyber security masters in UK. The program is recognized as the Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research by the government of UK. The course offers a multidisciplinary approach and covers both technical and non-technical aspects.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
78 |
Average Fees Per Year |
£28,000 |
Program Offered |
MSc Cyber Security |
3. Lancaster University
While discussing masters in cyber security in UK universities, the name of Lancaster University cannot be ignored. Their Cyber Security program helps develop knowledge, expertise, and experience to tackle the modern world’s challenges. A major attraction here is the opportunity to work within the world-class ICT Centre of Excellence, InfoLab21, during your course.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
146 |
Average Fees Per Year |
£25,700 |
Program Offered |
MSc Cyber Security |
4. University of York
The Cyber Security course at the University of York emphasises the significance of technical material that helps to make effective cyber security decisions. It also addresses the issues of identity, trust and reputation, network security, cryptography, risk management, and developing high-assurance systems.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
162 |
Average Fees Per Year |
£24,500 |
Program Offered |
MSc Cyber Security |
5. University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is one of the best universities in UK for Masters in Cyber Security. The university has received recognition from NCSC-EPSRC as an ‘Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) by the UK government. The program has also achieved a full certification by GCHQ.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
91 |
Average Fees Per Year |
£26,640 |
Program Offered |
MSc Cyber Security |
6. University College London
The University of College London is regarded as the third-largest university in UK by the total number of students enrolled. It was established in the year 1826 and was among the first institution in London that gives admissions to students irrespective of their religion and the first university to admit women. Besides, it offers 440 UG programs and 675 PG programs. Let’s explore its other features as well.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
8 |
Average Fees Per Year |
£37,860 |
Program Offered |
Information Security MSc |
7. Queen’s University of Belfast
This university offers a plethora of courses across various disciplines at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. With world-class infrastructure and highly qualified/trained faculty members, Queen's University Belfast remains to be a center of superiority since its instigation in 1845. Further, the alumni of this prestigious university include Nobel Laureates, such as Seamus Heaney and David Trimble. Further, the top leaderships in 80 of the 100 leading companies in Northern Ireland comprise Queen's University alumni. Let’s explore its other features.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
233 |
Average Fees Per Year |
£27,099 |
Program Offered |
MSc Applied Cyber Security |
8. Royal Holloway
Royal Holloway is among the best universities MSc in cyber security universities in London. The university was formed in 1985 by the merger of two premier colleges called Bedford College and Royal Holloway College. It is spread across 135 acres, and the university campus is considered one of the most beautiful campuses in the world.
The university focuses on a research-driven learning program with a team of faculty members comprising highly-experienced academicians and experts from relevant fields. Let’s explore its other features.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
402 |
Average Fees Per Year |
£9,250 |
Program Offered |
Information Security MSc |
9. Swansea University
Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a huge difference in education since 1920. It is a world-class place for higher learning and building a robust career well known for its academic achievements. It is one of the top 30 universities in the UK (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019) and also ranks in the top 251-300 universities of the world (Times Higher Education Rankings 2020).
Moreover, this university has been granted the title of Welsh University of the Year 2019 & 2020 and has also been recognized with a Gold award in the National Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for its outstanding teaching and learning facilities/outcomes. Let’s explore more!
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
425 |
Average Fees Per Year |
£23,470 |
Program Offered |
MSc Cyber Security |
10. Northumbria University
Originally known as Newcastle Polytechnic, Northumbria University is an open university formed in the year 1969 with the amalgamation of three regional colleges—Rutherford College of Technology, the College of Art & Industrial Design, and the Municipal College of Commerce. This university is associated with the Wallace Group, and it gained top university status in 1992. Besides, it focuses on research and business areas. Let’s check its other features.
QS World University Ranking 2023 |
651-700 |
Average Fees Per Year |
£23,344 |
Program Offered |
MSc Cyber Security with Advanced Practice |
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Students graduating from the top universities can expect a promising career in the field of cyber security. Let us take a quick look at the job opportunities in this field -
Job Opportunities after Masters in Cyber Security in UK
If you are looking for masters in cybersecurity with placement in UK, there are various top-notch brands that graduates from UK universities get to work with. Some such leading companies include:
- Accenture
- Deloitte
- KPMG
- JP Morgan
- Tata Consultancy Services
- Tempest Security Intelligence
- PWC
Some popular jobs with their salaries are mentioned below:
Job Title |
Average Salary Per Year |
Lead Cyber Security Consultant |
£80,000 - £95,000 |
Cyber Security Operations Manager |
£50,000 - £60,000 |
Cyber Security Consulting Manager |
£55,000 - £123,000 |
Threat Intelligence Analyst |
£39,000 - £47,000 |
Security Operations Analyst |
£28,000 - £34,000 |
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The role and importance of Cyber Security in today’s world is huge and hence, the demand for experts in this field. MS cyber security in UK is a great opportunity for you to progress your career across a range of roles in the management of cyber security systems. In case you need further assistance or expert opinion, get in touch with our well-trained counsellors with 13+ years of experience by choosing Yocket premium.